Help - Nikkor-W and CW Fujinon-W Lenses

JDW22 · Jul 21, 2016

I'm slowly getting back into large format after a very long hiatus. I was able to reacquire my old Wista 45SP from the gentleman that bought it from me many years ago. I'm taking baby steps in my return to 4x5 and will be purchasing a single lens to start. I always enjoyed the 210mm focal length and would love to have a mint copy of the Rodenstock Apo Sironar S 210mm f/5.6 lens. However, my budget will not allow that acquisition. Accordingly, I'm currently trying to make a decision between the more affordable Nikkor-W 210/5.6 and the CW Fujinon-W 210/5.6. While I've found some information on the internet, I'm still uncertain as to what the differences may be. Used versions of these two lenses appear readily available and are similarly priced. I'm just looking for additional information that can help me make a well informed decision. Any comments and/or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Jeff

DREW WILEY · Jul 21, 2016

Almost all these modern plasmat lenses from the "big four" manufacturers are excellent. Fuji makes great lenses. I don't think it will make any functional difference whether the Fuji 210 is an older W, NW, or newest CMW, other than usage condition issues. If you want the cat's meow from Nikon around that focal length, look for the 200 M tessar rather than their 210 plasmat, though these might take a bit more patience to find at a reasonable used price. If you want a superb bargain 210 lens from Schneider, get a G-Claron. Like the Nikkor M, it has a smaller aperture, not 5.6; but that fact is rarely a problem. But if you are look at G-Clarons, get one in a modern shutter intended for general-purpose photography.

Alan Gales · Jul 21, 2016

Just to add to Drew's great advice. The Nikkor 200 M is said to be a peach. Very sharp and very compact for backpacking. It is an f/8 lens instead of f/5.6 though if that matters to you.

What about the Rodenstock Sironar N? I'd add it to your list.

Dan Fromm · Jul 21, 2016

Jeff, go here https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=8D71BC33C77D1008!1005&authkey=!ACp3Kf30SHN3MwY&ithint=file%2cdocx for a list of links to sources of data on lenses.

Among others, it has links to a large database on Fuji lenses, to Nikon LF lens catalogs, to Schneider and Rodenstock data sheets, etc. The Fuji database explains how to recognize the versions. Too much for me to want to type, even for you.

None of the big four's 210/5.6ers, perhaps except the convertible Symmar, would be a mistake.

If all you want to shoot is 4x5 the 200/8 Nikkor-M should be fine but it barely covers 5x7 @ f/22.

JDW22 · Jul 21, 2016

DREW WILEY said:
Almost all these modern plasmat lenses from the "big four" manufacturers are excellent. Fuji makes great lenses. I don't think it will make any functional difference whether the Fuji 210 is an older W, NW, or newest CMW, other than usage condition issues. If you want the cat's meow from Nikon around that focal length, look for the 200 M tessar rather than their 210 plasmat, though these might take a bit more patience to find at a reasonable used price. If you want a superb bargain 210 lens from Schneider, get a G-Claron. Like the Nikkor M, it has a smaller aperture, not 5.6; but that fact is rarely a problem. But if you are look at G-Clarons, get one in a modern shutter intended for general-purpose photography.

Alan Gales said:
Just to add to Drew's great advice. The Nikkor 200 M is said to be a peach. Very sharp and very compact for backpacking. It is an f/8 lens instead of f/5.6 though if that matters to you.

What about the Rodenstock Sironar N? I'd add it to your list.

Dan Fromm said:
Jeff, go here https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=8D71BC33C77D1008!1005&authkey=!ACp3Kf30SHN3MwY&ithint=file%2cdocx for a list of links to sources of data on lenses.

Among others, it has links to a large database on Fuji lenses, to Nikon LF lens catalogs, to Schneider and Rodenstock data sheets, etc. The Fuji database explains how to recognize the versions. Too much for me to want to type, even for you.

None of the big four's 210/5.6ers, perhaps except the convertible Symmar, would be a mistake.

If all you want to shoot is 4x5 the 200/8 Nikkor-M should be fine but it barely covers 5x7 @ f/22.

Drew, Alan, and Dan:

Thank you all for the excellent comments. It has been most helpful.

ChuckP · Jul 21, 2016

If you have a set of good filters on hand you might want to try and pick the lens that fits these.

EdSawyer · Jul 21, 2016

Schneider Apo symmar is actually the 210 to beat, as far as regular plasmats.

RalphLambrecht · Jul 23, 2016

JDW22 said:
I'm slowly getting back into large format after a very long hiatus. I was able to reacquire my old Wista 45SP from the gentleman that bought it from me many years ago. I'm taking baby steps in my return to 4x5 and will be purchasing a single lens to start. I always enjoyed the 210mm focal length and would love to have a mint copy of the Rodenstock Apo Sironar S 210mm f/5.6 lens. However, my budget will not allow that acquisition. Accordingly, I'm currently trying to make a decision between the more affordable Nikkor-W 210/5.6 and the CW Fujinon-W 210/5.6. While I've found some information on the internet, I'm still uncertain as to what the differences may be. Used versions of these two lenses appear readily available and are similarly priced. I'm just looking for additional information that can help me make a well informed decision. Any comments and/or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Jeff

I cannot compare but went with the NikkorW and are very happy with it.

JDW22 · Jul 24, 2016

By everyones comments, it appears I have a dilemma - lots of good lenses to choose from. Those are the kinds of problems I like to have

Thanks all.

dpurdy · Jul 24, 2016

I am unable to find any fault with my Nikkor W 210. Very sharp, large coverage, I have even used it a lot as an 8x10 lens.

Alan Gales · Jul 25, 2016

JDW22 said:
By everyones comments, it appears I have a dilemma - lots of good lenses to choose from. Those are the kinds of problems I like to have

Thanks all.

I wouldn't worry about the brand name. I would let price and condition be your guide as to which lens to buy.

js98367 · Jul 31, 2016

I see quality Nikkor 210mm f/5.6 lenses on eBay for around $220 on a regular basis.

FredrickSummers · Aug 16, 2016

I love my Fujinon 210W (though may be selling it soon to move to a 180 due to my 6x17 back I like to use). They can be found quite affordable as well.

Jesper · Aug 16, 2016

Don't worry too much about the brand. Is a larger lens (brighter) acceptable? Is portability important? Single coated (some prefer that) or multicoated?
Apart from that let availability, price and most of all condition be your guide.

FredrickSummers · Aug 16, 2016

Jesper said:
Don't worry too much about the brand. Is a larger lens (brighter) acceptable? Is portability important? Single coated (some prefer that) or multicoated?
Apart from that let availability, price and most of all condition be your guide.

Very well said! Only thing I can add would be movements too, how much you need depends on what and how you shoot. I found this to be very helpful: http://www.largeformatphotography.info/lenses/LF4x5in.html

Help - Nikkor-W and CW Fujinon-W Lenses

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